Decks, sidewalks and driveways with a walking surface not more than 30-inches (76 2mm) above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below are exempt from requiring a building permit. If greater than 30-inches above adjacent grade a building permit is required, a guard must be installed and must meet setbacks. Grade is measured at the lowest point from the deck to 6-feet out from the deck, sidewalk or drive. IRC Section 105, Reference Bulletin #8.

A single story accessory structure used as a tool and storage shed, playhouse and similar use may be built without a building permit, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 squrae feet. All accessory structures must meet setbacks, see Pierce County Code Section 18a.15.040. In residential zones, on lots of less than 1 acre in size, detached accessory structures shall not exceed 2,000 total square feet, excluding the area of a detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).